A Complete Size Guide and History - Goyard Saigon
, by Jiaxin He , 4 min reading time
✈️ The Timeless Elegance of the Goyard Saïgon Handbag: A Complete Size Guide and History
The Goyard Saïgon is more than just a handbag; it's a piece of luggage history, a nod to the golden age of travel, and a masterpiece of discreet luxury. Known for its distinct trunk-inspired design, featuring a hand-carved wooden top handle and wooden accents, the Saïgon stands out as one of Goyard’s most celebrated silhouettes.
If you're considering adding this iconic piece to your collection, understanding the different sizes is essential. Here is a comprehensive guide to the Goyard Saïgon's dimensions and the fascinating story behind its name.
📏 Goyard Saïgon Handbag Size Guide
The Saïgon bag is generally available in a few key sizes, sometimes offered in both a structured and a softer (Souple) version. The structured version is more rigid and clearly shows the trunk-inspired features, while the Souple is more relaxed.
Structured Saigon has two wooden accents in front
Softer / Souple Saigon in GM Size
Please note that Goyard is known for its exclusivity, and exact dimensions can sometimes vary slightly by model year or whether the bag is structured or Souple. The dimensions below represent the commonly available sizes (Width x Height x Depth, or Length x Height x Depth).
| Size | Dimensions (cm) | Dimensions (inches) |
| Mini | 20 x 15 x 7.5 | 7.8 x 6 x 3 |
|
PM (Petit Modèle) |
28 x 20 x 12 | 11 x 8 x 5 |
| MM (Moyen Modèle) or GM / Large |
35.5 x 25 x 18 | 14 x 10 x 7 |
What Fits?
- Mini: A compact yet functional size. It comfortably holds your phone, a small wallet, keys, and a few makeup items. Great for daily use when you travel light.
-
PM (Petit Modèle): The most popular "day bag" size. It can easily accommodate a full-sized wallet, a small tablet, a cosmetic pouch, and other daily necessities.
-
MM (Moyen Modèle): A generous size, almost like a small briefcase or a sophisticated work bag. Excellent for carrying a laptop (depending on size), files, and all your daily essentials.
🌟 The Romantic History: Why is it Called Saïgon?
The story of the Goyard Saïgon bag is steeped in romance and the exotic allure of the Far East. The bag is named after Saïgon, the former capital of French Indochina (now Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam).
An Ode to Travel and Indochina
The origins of the bag trace back to the 1930s, when a French gentleman, residing in Indochina, commissioned Goyard to create a bespoke handbag as a surprise for his wife.
The unique design was crafted to reflect the customer’s passion for travel and the enchanting elegance of the region. The characteristic features of the Saïgon—the hand-carved beechwood top handle, the wooden accents, and the riveted leather corners—are a direct homage to Goyard's heritage as a master trunk maker, cleverly miniaturizing the codes of a large travel trunk into a sophisticated handbag.
Goyard eventually recognized the timeless appeal of this special order, and the Saïgon was reintroduced into their permanent collection, celebrating a moment of timeless elegance and the art of luxury travel that defined the era.
In essence, the name Saïgon is a tribute to the location and the romantic circumstances of its original creation, capturing the spirit of a chic Parisian touch transported to a distant, exotic land.
